Consumer ICT Guide

Under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), you have a minimum 6-month implied warranty on any goods purchased. Most electronics manufacturers offer a 12–24 month warranty. If your device fails within the warranty period due to manufacturing defect, you are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund.

File a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) at www.thencc.org.za or contact the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO). Keep your proof of purchase — a receipt or invoice — and all written communication with the retailer.

If your device is still under the manufacturer's warranty, having it repaired by an unauthorised repair shop may void that warranty. However, taking it to an authorised service centre preserves it. Check the manufacturer's terms before any repair.

The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) gives you the right to know what personal information companies hold about you, to request correction or deletion of that data, and to complain if your data is misused. Every organisation processing your personal data must have a lawful reason for doing so.

Yes. Under POPIA and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, you have the right to opt out of direct marketing at any time. Companies must provide an easy opt-out mechanism and must stop contacting you within a reasonable period after your request.

The company responsible must notify you and the Information Regulator if your personal data is breached. If they fail to do so, report them to the Information Regulator of South Africa at www.inforegulator.org.za.

Common reasons include background app updates consuming data, video streaming on mobile data, roaming charges, and premium SMS services you may have unknowingly subscribed to. Check your operator's app for a breakdown of data usage by app.

When your data bundle runs out, most operators switch you to out-of-bundle rates which are significantly more expensive per MB. You can request that your operator cap your data or send notifications at certain thresholds to avoid bill shock.

Yes. Contact your service provider's billing department in writing. If unresolved within 30 days, escalate to ICASA's Complaints and Compliance Centre or the relevant Ombud for your type of service.

SIM swap fraud (criminals take over your number to intercept banking OTPs), phishing emails/SMS impersonating banks or SARS, fake tech support calls, misleading data deal promotions, and 'free WiFi' hotspots designed to steal your login credentials.

Register for your bank's SIM swap notifications. Be suspicious of any unexpected loss of mobile signal. Never share your ID number or banking credentials over the phone. Consider using an authenticator app instead of SMS for two-factor authentication.

Report cybercrime to the South African Police Service's Cybercrime Unit. Report financial scams to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC). Report telecoms scams to ICASA. You can also report to www.cybercrime.org.za.

Look beyond the headline GB figure. Check validity (daily/monthly/anytime), whether it includes out-of-bundle browsing, which networks/speeds are included, and any rollover policies. ICASA publishes comparative data pricing reports which are publicly available.

Check the CIR (Committed Information Rate — the minimum guaranteed speed), the ISP's (Internet Service Provider's) SLA (Service Level Agreement) for uptime guarantees, and whether installation fees are included. Speeds are usually shaped, not capped, at the end of your month.

Buying outright is almost always cheaper over 24 months if you calculate the total cost. Contracts bundle device repayment into a monthly fee — often at effective interest rates of 20%+. Compare the total 24-month cost of both options before signing.

Check the IMEI number (dial *#06#) against the GSMA's IMEI database to verify it's not blacklisted as stolen. Also check that the box, accessories, and documentation match the phone.